Dez Skinn and Chris J Thompson head to Malta Con

Writer, editor and publisher Dez Skinn - perhaps best known to comic fans for creating Warrior and Comics International and now working on a new international comic magazine - and Pop Culture King Journalist Chris J Thompson, who join the guest line up for Malta Comic Con 2012, which already includes ace artist Mike Carey.

With 42 years of experience in the comic industry and more awards and honours than one dares mention Dez Skinn influence on and contributions to the British comic landscape is immense, rivalled only by a few.

Referred to as the British "Stan Lee" by many, Dez's credits include work for IPC on titles such as Buster and Cor!, running Marvel UK and launching such titles as Doctor Who Weekly, Starburst and Hammer's House of Horror, 16 years editing trade magazine Comics International, creating Warrior comics magazine and founding Quality Communications a vehicle responsible of launching properties such as V for Vendetta he created in 1982 and still steers to date.

Dez is also the author of two books; Comix: The Underground Revolution and Comic Art Now, and is currently providing consultancy services to outside publishers, putting together the pilot issue for a new international comics magazine and co-writing a new feature film.

Chris J. Thompson is an internationally recognised comics retailer, journalist, podcaster and speaker who has attended and spoken at conventions across three continents including San Diego Comic Con where he has a yearly panel.

You can hear him on The Orbiting Pod and Pop Culture Hound podcasts; see his work at First Comic News, Bleeding Cool and various other sites and follow him via Twitter @popculturehound.

"Chris Thompson has been an avid supporter and permanent fixture in the MCC since 2010," says Chris Le Galle co-founder of Wicked Comics.

"During MCC 2011 Chris and fellow journalist Taylor Lilley virtually led all the talks, discussion panels and Q&A sessions, a role they will be reprising this year. Through the various mediums he works in Chris, is constantly assisting Wicked Comics and promoting the Malta Comic Con. With each visit to MCC Chris returns with a new stock of Maltese comic books to sell in England.

"On top of all this Chris always works closely with us, gives us sound advice and not only helps us secure some of the most esteemed guests but also helps us co-ordinate some of the most sought after activities during the convention.

"Throughout the years Chris has been an invaluable source of help, an inspiration in challenging times, an ambassador of both the MCC and Malta at large, and a great friend. This year we decided to invite him as a guest as a small token of appreciation for all his sterling work.

"Simply put, with out him the Malta Comic Con would not be the commendable and successful convention it is today."

• Malta Con 2012 is on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December 2012 at St. James Cavalier (all floors), Valletta, Malta, between 10am and 6pm on both days. Web: www.maltacomic-con.com